Sandra Vause Coker

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Cheraw, SC

Sandra Vause Coker, 83, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of February 20, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. 

Born October 3, 1940 to parents Woodrow James Vause and Lutricia Oliver Vause, Sandra was raised in the Vausetown area of Florence County along with her two sisters. It was there she met and married the love of her life, Dowell “Red” Coker. The couple later welcomed their two beautiful daughters, Dawn and Penny. 

In 1963 Red’s career brought he, Sandra and their girls to Cheraw where she immediately made lifelong friends and became active in her community. She took pride in being a homemaker while her girls were young. Among her many roles were Girl Scout Troop leader, PTA President and volunteer & trip chaperone for Cheraw Academy. Sandra also volunteered for the American Red Cross and the Welcome Wagon, which gave her the opportunity to meet and welcome newcomers to Cheraw as she had once been welcomed so kindly. 

Following her mother’s advice upon her arrival to Cheraw, she immediately sought out a church family to belong to. Sandra became longtime member of First Baptist Church of Cheraw, where she met many lifelong friends, was active in many church activities and especially loved the Friendship Sunday School Class to which she belonged for many years. Among her favorite groups that she belonged to was her Bridge Club, who for many years enjoyed countless hours of not just games of bridge but love, friendship and laughter. 

After her daughters flew the nest, Sandra began her career with Estée Lauder which lasted more than 20 years and was a perfect fit as it allowed her to combine all of her favorite things - fashion, beauty, meeting new people and traveling. It was during this time she met and befriended her lifelong friends the Estée Lauder Ladies. Traveling the world was one of her favorite pastimes and she enjoyed that love with many, including her family and her beloved Bridge Club and Estée Lauder Ladies. She also earned her most cherished title yet during these years which was grandmother, becoming “Nanny” to her four grandchildren and later four great grandchildren. They all were truly the lights of her life. 

Sandra will always be remembered for her love of entertaining, decorating and making people feel welcome. She was especially known for her beauty and class, and loved by her family and friends for always extending a helping hand to anyone in need. Fiercely protective of those she loved, she would stand up for her family and friends when the occasion required her to do so. Sandra proudly instilled in her daughters and granddaughters the belief that a new outfit for every big event was required, to always have a set of pearls handy and that no matter the occasion, lipstick was a necessity. 

Sandra was predeceased by her parents listed above, beloved husband Dowell “Red” Coker, sister Shirley Vause Hill, many beloved Coker in-laws, and her faithful canine & feline companions Chester and Clem Tigger. 

Left to cherish her memory are daughters Dawn (Charles) Rayfield and Penny (Robert) Angle; grandchildren Sarra (Jeffrey) Furr, Alex (Banyon Ford) Maier, Duward Angle and Penelope Jean Angle; great grandchildren George Coker Furr, Zoie Ford, Poppy Ford, and Xander Ford; sister Zan (Mike) Spurgeon and sister-in-law Jean Coker; grandsons of the heart Blair Angle and family, Lee Angle and family, Heath Rayfield and family and Justin Rayfield and family; son of the heart John Chapman, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A memorial service will be held Sunday March 3, 2024 at 2pm in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, with the family receiving visitors prior to the service at 1pm. Memorials may be made to the Friendship Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church or McLeod Hospice, who took such wonderful care of Sandra in her final days. 

Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Coker family during their time of grief. 

Online condolences may be made at www.KiserFuneralHome.com